Georgia Nursing Schools and Programs
Credit: Kruck20 / iStock / Getty Images PlusGeorgia is known for its friendly people, Southern hospitality, and low cost of living. It also offers great opportunities for nurses. Projections Central projects a 18.1% increase in demand for registered nurses (RNs) by 2030, which is much higher than the national average.
This guide can help you decide if pursuing nursing education and a career in the Peach State is right for you. Explore how to get a state license, earning potential, and details about the top nursing schools in Georgia, including those that can prepare you for a career as a nurse practitioner (NP).
Keep reading to learn more about the top nursing schools and programs in Georgia.
The Best Nursing Schools in Georgia
Georgia is home to an array of nursing education options, such as large state universities, local community colleges, and private colleges of all sizes. To help you identify the ideal program for your needs and goals, we’ve compiled the following list of the best nursing schools in the state.
Our Methodology: We use a data-driven methodology to rank the best nursing schools in Georgia, making it easier for you to find a program that works for you. Our methodology is based on metrics that we believe matter most to students, including academic quality, affordability, reputation, and program offerings.
Emory University
Atlanta, GA- 4 year
- Campus
With a 100-year history of educating nurses, Emory University offers accelerated BSN and MSN programs that take 12-15 months to complete. Emory also features dual degrees and MSN flex programs, which you can finish in 2-3 years.
You can earn an MSN degree with an APRN specialty in adult gerontology acute care, adult gerontology primary care, family nursing, neonatal nursing, nurse-midwifery, pediatric acute care, women's health and gender-related nursing, or psychiatric mental health. Emory offers clinical training in Atlanta and at sites across the country.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master's of science in nursing, doctorate in nursing practice
- Campus: Atlanta, Georgia
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, Accreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
- Tuition:$2,022 per credit
- Admission Requirements: Varies by program
- Minimum Time Commitment: 12 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 85.94% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $64,055 for bachelor's graduates and $64,055 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$53,070
- Out-of-state$53,070
- In-State$43,800
- Out-of-state$43,800
- Retention Rate93%
- Acceptance Rate19%
- Students Enrolled13,997
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment87%
- AccreditationYes
Berry College
- Mount Berry, GA
- 4 year
- Campus
You can earn a BSN in 3.5 years at Berry College, which offers four degree pathways. You'll complete clinical placements with the option of working at Berry's two hospital partnerships or one of Georgia's biggest medical clinics.
Berry offers a transfer track, a traditional program for sophomore students, and a direct admission pathway for high-achieving high school students. Also, you can graduate in fewer than four years through the fast track pathway if you complete AP and dual enrollment courses.
- Program: BSN
- Campus: Mount Berry, Georgia
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $2175-$3263 per credit for 12-18 credits. Students who take fewer or more credits will be charged 1,305 per credit.
- Admission Requirements: BSN applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA; Students need at least 41 credits, including prerequisites, with a minimum C grade; CPR certification; background check and drug screening; Transfer students must complete at least 12 credits at Berry.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 42 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 78.13% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $51,482 for bachelor's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$37,720
- Out-of-state$37,720
- In-State$12,240
- Out-of-state$12,240
- Retention Rate84%
- Acceptance Rate77%
- Students Enrolled2,125
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment40%
- AccreditationYes
Georgia Northwestern Technical College
- Rome, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Georgia Northwestern Technical College features an associate in nursing degree (ADN) that prepares you for an entry-level career as a registered nurse. You can also choose from a practical nursing diploma.
After you are admitted, it will take four semesters to complete the nursing coursework. GNTC's ADN program requires 72 credits. You'll complete 30 credits of pre-occupational courses and 42 credits of nursing curriculum. The courses cover nursing basics, lifespan nursing care, and nursing care to promote mental health.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, associate degree in nursing, practical nursing diploma
- Campus: Rome, Georgia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $100 per credit (in state); $200 per credit (out-of-state)
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; minimum 17 years old; minimum 75% score on the admission assessment exam; completion of Learning Support courses; completion biology and algebra courses; minimum 3.0 GPA
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2021/2022): 86.36% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $49,787 for associate degree graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$2,400
- Out-of-state$4,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate65%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled6,608
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment71%
- AccreditationYes
Oconee Fall Line Technical College
- Sandersville, GA
- 2 year
- Campus + Online
Oconee Fall Line Technical College offers three nursing programs that take 5-7 semesters to complete.
The associate degree provides a direct pathway for paramedics and licensed practical nurses to become registered nurses in one year. The traditional ADN takes seven semesters. You can also complete the 60-credit practical nursing program in five semesters in preparation for the NCLEX-PN exam.
The nursing programs offer spring and fall start dates. You can take online synchronous
or live courses. There's also an option to take on-campus and hybrid courses.
- Program: Associate in nursing degree, practical nursing diploma
- Campus: Sandersville, Georgia
- Type: Public
- Accreditations: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
- Tuition: $100 per credit
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma, GED certificate, or college transcripts; Test of Essential Academic Skills exam score; at least 18 years old; minimum 2.6 GPA for high school students and 2.0 GPA for workforce entry level programs
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 87.23% first-time pass rate
- In-State$2,400
- Out-of-state$4,800
- In-StateN/A
- Out-of-stateN/A
- Retention Rate74%
- Acceptance RateN/A
- Students Enrolled1,835
- Institution TypePublic
- Percent Online Enrollment68%
- AccreditationYes
Mercer University
- Macon, GA
- 4 year
- Campus + Online
Mercer University's College of Nursing offers three BSN tracks. You can choose from a traditional BSN degree, second degree, or an RN-to-BSN program. The curriculum prepares you to enter Mercer's MSN program or launch your nursing career.
You'll complete 60 nursing major credits, 40 general education credits, and 20 nursing core credits in the traditional BSN degree. The accelerated BSN program requires 56 credits and the RN-to-BSN degree requires 32 credits. The courses incorporate nursing research, health assessments, leadership and role practicum, and population health nursing.
- Program: Bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in nursing, doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in nursing, post-master's certificates
- Campus: Macon, Georgia
- Type: Private
- Accreditations: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
- Tuition: $12,785 per semester for traditional pre-licensure students; $361 per credit for RN-to-BSN students; $59,685 for second degree accelerated BSN students
- Admission Requirements: Varies by program; minimum 3.0 GPA; resume; official transcripts; official TEAS exam score; admissions essay; completed prerequisites; admissions interview, if needed.
- Minimum Time Commitment: 24 months
- On-Campus Requirements: Yes
- School NCLEX-RN Pass Rate (2022): 81.31% first-time pass rate
- Median Earnings Two Years After Graduation: $62,299 for bachelor's graduates and $62,299 for master's graduates, according to College Scorecard
- In-State$28,695
- Out-of-state$28,695
- In-State$14,964
- Out-of-state$14,964
- Retention Rate87%
- Acceptance Rate78%
- Students Enrolled9,006
- Institution TypePrivate
- Percent Online Enrollment48%
- AccreditationYes
Best Georgia Nurse Practitioner Programs
Popular MSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How to Choose a Nursing Program in Georgia
There are dozens of nursing schools in Georgia, including some of the top-ranked programs in the country. However, you should consider several factors when choosing where to apply.
Look at program curriculum and length, the availability of both in-person and online nursing school requirements, and clinical details, such as available clinical placement assistance. Tuition and financial aid options are also important considerations.
Nursing students may qualify for federal student aid. Georgia’s HOPE Programs offer scholarship and grant assistance to qualified students, but learners should look at nursing financial aid options specific to the program as well.
To become a licensed nurse in Georgia, you must complete a program approved by the Georgia Board of Nursing. Accreditation for nursing programs is important because it ensures that all nurses in the state have been trained to the same standards and that nursing programs adequately prepare graduates for safe, effective practice.
If you choose a program not board approved, you will not qualify for a nursing license in Georgia.
Why Become a Nurse in Georgia
Becoming a nurse in Georgia offers many advantages. In addition to plenty of job opportunities and competitive salaries, Georgia has some policies that might make it attractive to nurses.
For example, nurses do not have to join a nurses’ union to gain employment, as Georgia is a right-to-work state. Georgia also upholds the Family Care Act, also known as the Kin Care Law. This allows employees to use paid sick leave to care for immediate family members, not just themselves.
Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, meaning licensed nurses here are authorized to work in 30 other compact states. Nurses who wish to work in Georgia, but have licenses from noncompact states, can get a Georgia license by endorsement.
Salary and Job Outlook for Nurses in Georgia
Nurses in Georgia earn an average salary of $71,510, slightly less than the national median earnings of $75,330, according to the BLS. Nurse practitioners also earn less than the national average in the Peach State, with an average salary of $106,620, compared to the national median of $111,670.
Although RN pay ranks 29th in the nation, and NP pay comes in 40th, the cost of living here is also one of the lowest in the United States. Georgia ranks 48th on the cost-of-living index, and housing is among the most affordable in the nation.
Demand for RNs between 2018 and 2028 is projected to increase by 22.5%, much higher than the national average of 9%. Demand for nurse practitioners should increase slower than the national average. However, at 41.4% projected growth, demand for NPs is still very high. The BLS projects a continued nursing shortage through 2030.
It’s no surprise that Georgia’s largest metropolitan area, Atlanta, is also its highest-paying city. Atlanta is home to five of the state’s highest-ranked hospitals, including two Magnet hospitals. However, Georgia nurses can also earn competitive salaries in smaller cities and rural regions.
The table below details the top five highest-paying metro areas.
| Top Paying Metropolitan Areas | Average Salary for RNs |
|---|---|
| Atlanta — Sandy Springs — Roswell | $80,760 |
| Athens — Clarke County | $73,370 |
| Augusta — Richmond County | $72,420 |
| Rome | $70,320 |
| Hinesville | $65,510 |
Steps to Becoming a Nurse in Georgia
The Georgia Board of Nursing oversees all nurse credentialing. The board also sets nursing regulations and education requirements. The following is an overview of the general processes for licensure as an RN or advanced practice registered nurse (APRN).
RN Requirements
As in all states which have RN requirements, nurses in Georgia are required to be licensed before practicing. Licensure requires completing an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) program and passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
Georgia allows nurses to apply for licensure online or by paper application. If you earn your degree from an out-of-state nursing school, you must submit a paper application. Graduates of in-state nursing programs can apply online without submitting transcripts, as those are automatically sent to the Georgia Board of Nursing by the school.
Before submitting your application, register for the NCLEX exam with Pearson Vue and COGENT (the state background check service). The application fee is $40. Most applications are processed in 15 days, but there may be a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
APRN Requirements
To become an APRN in Georgia, you’ll need a master of science in nursing or doctor of nursing practice. The Georgia Board of Nursing requires applicants to hold a valid Georgia RN license and submit verification of active national certification in their specialty.
If you’ve never been licensed as an APRN in any state, you’ll also need to submit transcripts showing a completed graduate program.
If you’re licensed in another state and seeking your first Georgia APRN license, you have the option to submit documentation of 500 hours of practice if you completed your graduate program more than four years ago.
To apply for an APRN license, submit a paper application; there is no online option. The fee is $75.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nursing in Georgia
How long does it take to become a nurse in Georgia?
Depending on the degree type (ADN or BSN), it takes 2-4 years to become a nurse in Georgia. Both degrees qualify you to take the NCLEX. However, some employers, including Magnet hospitals, require RNs to hold a BSN.
Is Georgia state good for nursing?
Overall, Georgia consistently ranks among the top states for nurses. The Department of Health and Human Services identifies Georgia as a state that will have a significant nursing shortage by 2030, so nurses can find many job options.
Although salaries are moderate compared to other states, they are offset by the low cost of living. The pleasant climate, safe neighborhoods, and overall quality of life also make this an attractive place to live.
How do I become a nurse in Georgia?
To become a nurse in Georgia, earn an ADN or a BSN degree and pass the NCLEX to qualify for a license issued by the Georgia Board of Nursing. If you already hold a license from a Nursing Compact state, you can apply for a license by endorsement.
How often do you need to renew your nursing license in Georgia?
Georgia requires nurses to renew their licenses every two years. All licenses expire on January 31. For example, a license issued or renewed in 2021 will expire on January 31, 2023. Nurses must complete one of five continuing education/competency options for nurses to qualify for renewal.
